The rise of Germany and fall of the Dutch

[rob006]

hey everyone.. this is my first story about a civ 3 game so wish me luck. im still playing this game even though this particular war has been over for about 100 years (game time, duh). well.. here we go....

The beginning (and some history)

Jacob Von Goethe stared out over Nuremberg Valley getting a bit of fresh air and taking in the breath taking view. He held that mornings copy of 'The Nuremberg Times' which bore a one word heading in red ink 'WAR'.

It was 1735 and Bismark had told the Dutch to remove their forces from the lands of Germany in compliance with the 1535 peace treaty between the two nations which had ended the most destructive war in the history of the continent. But the Dutch ambassador ended 200 years of peace, and the German guards ended his life.

The newspaper article repoted that immediatly upon the declaration of war both Spain ans Portugal allied with Germany against the Dutch. Jacob knew the would be of little help as the were to far away to make much of a differnce, especially at the begining of the war, the most crucial stage... The article also told of how Dutch troops were already pouring across the border with either Nuremberg or New Nuremberg, a Nuremberg suburb, as their target... Jacob's rifle squad was assigned to protect Nuremberg at all costs... if it fell, Berlin was only a weeks ride away, or about 2 days by train.

Jacob shuddered as he thought about the coming battles and wondered who would win this war.... The Dutch had always been the most powerful nation on the continent and usually had a lead in technology, but ever since the 200 Years War (which actually lasted for 225 years) Germany pulled ahead in technology, but were still only the 3rd most powerful nation. And the Dutch outnumbered German forces at least 5 to 1.


there is the beginning, not too long yet as im still getting stuff together. critisim, comments, suggestions all welcome...

[Paddy]

luck to ya mate

and looking forward to more indeed

[vovan]

Kind of on the short side like you yourself noticed... But a good start nonetheless.

Welcome to the stories forum, and hope to see more from you real soon.

[rob006]

Thanx for the kind words, and not to worry guys i wrote up two chapters today during school.. mostly drivers ed im gonna start typing them up and they'll be on here by the end of today sometime...

[rob006]

Chapter 2

On to the fall of New Nuremberg..

Jacob was disturbed from his thoughts about the war, and about history, by a runner who seemingly appeared from nowhere.

''Sir! Sir!''

“What is it son? Have the Dutch already surrendered?” Jacob said smiling despite knowing full well this would be a long brutal war.

“Unfortunately no sir. Quite the opposite actually. New Nuremberg apparently fell to Dutch knights and musketmen just hours after the declaration of war!”

“WHAT!! How could those bastards ever break our lines!?! Let alone overrun a walled city defended by musketmen!?!”

“Sheer numbers sir... They threw at least 5,000 troops at the city. Which was only protected by about 500 men....” the runner let the reality of the situation sink in on his NCO.

Jacob, trembling from rage, asked, “How many of ‘em did they take out?”

“Reports indicate about 2,000 sir. Mostly knights because that is naturally what they tried to breech the walls with. They went down fighting sir...”

“Maybe it will show them that we will never surrender... not even if they burn Berlin to the ground...” Jacob went back to camp, and told his squad of the heroism of the defenders of New Nuremberg.


In Berlin, a similar conversation was taking place....

“HOW THE HELL COULD THEY CAPTURE NUREMBERG?!?!?” Bismark demanded in a fit of rage, which utterly horrified his advisors.

“Sir? I believe it was NEW Nuremberg that fell to the ...” The angry glare of the German Chancellor ended the aid’s sentence before he was finished.

“Well Hans (the military advisor), what do you think we should do?” Bismark asked, in a demanding tone.

“Well our first move is obviously to recapture New Nuremberg, and make sure the Dutch don’t capture Nuremberg as it is most likely their next target. I recommend establishing a forward base in front of Nuremberg consisting of at least one rifle division and a cannon battery.”


“Make it happen.” and the military advisors aid hurried from the room. Bismark turned to his foreign affairs minister, “Heisenberg, tell me, what is the world reaction to this unprovoked attack?”

The wiry minister stood, “Well Chancellor, as you know, both Spain and Portugal have allied with us against the Dutch hordes. The Celts have made no statement but we expect them to help us since they are allies with Spain. On the other continent, it seems the only nation who gives a rat’s ass about what happens over here is Egypt, they have condemned the attack but have made no moves beyond that.”

“Hmmm.... alright, that is all everyone, you may leave. Except you Hans.” Bismark said, finally dismissing the meeting.

“As you wish.”

Bismark waited until he and Hans were alone, and spread a map of southern Germany, including the conquered lands of England, and the Dutch Empire, on the table. “Hans... I want Amsterdam. I want that Sun Tzu’s war academy and that Leonardo fellow’s workshop. Can that be done?” Hans stared intently at the map before speaking, “No, sir, not with our current forces. I recommend you have the entire economy mobilize, and begin training more forces, mostly cavalry sir.” Hans waited to either hear or perhaps FEEL his Chancellor’s response. Bismark was known for clouting advisors who gave him ‘sub-standard’ advise.

After a pregnant silence filled the room, Hans grew more nervous with each second....

“Okay, done. In the meantime, liberate New Nuremberg and make sure no more invasion forces get through.”

“Yes sir! If it is your will, it shall be done!” Hans saluted and left the room.

Bismark turned to a window and gazed over his beautiful capital city. “ Okay William. You’ve made your move. Now it’s my turn.” A smile touched the lips of the German Chancellor.

[rob006]

there is chapter 2 guys.. ^ wadda ya think? ? ?

chapter 3 is in the works, it will be done shortly. its longer than these two put together, but its a nice long battle scene for those of you of the blood-lust persuasion thnx in advance for any comments

[rob006]

Chapter 3

The Battle of Nuremberg

Jacob was asleep when the orders came to move out to the hills south of Nuremberg. Apparently an attempt to stop any attacks before they could reach Nuremberg. “Those bastard generals!! They wake us up before we even see daylight and expect us to fight at full strength?!”

“Well sir, that’s the way it goes sometimes I guess. Besides, we must get the jump on the Dutch,” said the corporal, obviously eager for battle. “Tell the division to be ready to move out at 0800 hours,” Jacob ordered. “Yes sir!” The corporal disappeared in the flaps of his commander’s tent.

At precisely 8 o’clock, Jacob’s division, totaling 1000 men, fell in line and began to march. They were accompanied by a battery of cannons, numbering 20 guns. The march took over an hour thanks to cannon wheels breaking on the road, which was in desperate need of repairs. When they finally got to the hills, Jacob came to the highest ridge and surveyed the valley below. At first he didn’t believe his eyes... it couldn’t be.. Not already... but it was... He whirled around and began to bark orders to his forces “Get those trenches dug up here!! Double time ladies!! The Dutch are already across the border and on the move!!” He turned back to the encroaching cloud of dust. “They are less than a days ride away,” he could just catch a hint of orange, the primary color of the Dutch uniform, “they are coming slowly, they don’t know we are here, we will have the element of surprise," and it will be a double blow to them as they think they will get the surprise, he muttered to himself, “If they came any slower the would have birds nesting in their hats. HA! Well, at least it gives us enough time to get some kind of trench system set up.”

The morning dawned bright and brutal, the days the Nuremberg valley, and desert farther south, were famous for. Jacob intently watched his foes prepare for their attack. During the night, a Dutch scout had spotted the German’s campfire and got back to their night camp before a bullet could stop him. So all surprise was lost. “Damned incompetent bast.... Holy ****!! The sun has got to be playing tricks on my eyes! I didn’t think there where nearly as many yesterday as today! Son of a *****, there must be nearly 10,000!!” With the realization of being outnumbered 10 to 1 Jacob ordered that some logs be stacked some 50 yards back as a secondary defense. Jacob again surveyed his enemy, and smiled realizing that they where all knights, and how useless knights were against trained riflemen. At noon a bugle could be heard from the valley below. Jacob gazed at the mass of humanity that began its move towards him and his men.

The Dutch knights were obviously in no hurry, at least they didn’t plan to be until within range of the German rifles. And they trotted towards the German defenders half way expecting an easy victory. But then the world around them exploded, sending man and horse alike flying. The cannons had found their mark. Once they realized what was happening they broke into a charge aimed at the center of the German line and the lead knights fell when the first volley of hot lead found their targets. Jacob took careful aim and his round slammed into the chest of the sergeant leading the charge. He quickly reloaded his rifle and spun around and found the artillery commander. “Get some cannons up here loaded with grapeshot!”


Within moments, Jacob was flanked by two cannons. “Aim them a little high so that they will fall into the middle of the charge, doing the most damage! Our rifles can take care of those up close!” The adjustments where made and the cannons belched fire and smoke at the enemy, not to mention thousands of tiny metal balls. Seconds later knights in the third through last rows of the charging knights fell as one as the grapeshot found its target. The lead knights broke into a frantic and erratic charge at the Germans who rained hell down onto them.

1000 knights and 200 feet...

700 knights and 150 feet....

400 knights and 100 feet...

They made it no farther, as a cannon had been set up on their right flank and with one discharge swatted them away with the help of the rifles.

The men cheered as one as they had annihilated the Dutch force without a single loss. But the cheering died down slowly as more and more realized the truth... That wasn’t even half of the knights!! Most remained at camp but had been hidden during the battle by their charging compatriots, smoke, and the blood-lust in the eyes of every German soldier. “SON OF A ... GAH!!!!” Jacob cursed at the Dutch for arrogantly thinking that Germany’s forces could so easily be crushed. He turned to his men “Get your weapons ready and loaded with ammo to spare! Move! Move! Move! The bastards won’t wait all day!” He turned again to the artillery commander, “Load your guns with explosive shells and level that encampment now!!”

Within 10 minutes the guns began to fire, and large orange balls of flame erupted in the Dutch camp, scorching tents and flesh alike. After the initial shock wore off the Dutch mounted their steeds and began a massive charge.

“Stop firing the cannons!! Fill them all with grapeshot and aim it so it will hit the middle of their ranks, just like last time!” As the artillery commander hurried to carry out his orders, Jacob watched the massive wall of metal, man and beast surging towards him. “Wait until they are well in range! I’ll give you the signal!” Jacob muttered a prayer, and hoped to God that he would live to see the next day. “STEADY!!”

“STEADY!!”

The knights continued their charge...

“STEADY!!”

The Dutch now had to pick their way through the littered remains of their dead comrades.

“FIRE!!”


The ridge lit up as 1000 men fired their rifles in unison along with 20 cannons at the angry horde. Row after row of Dutch knights fell and where trampled by their brothers-in-arms. The Germans could hear the whistle of the grapeshot and saw several rows of the Dutch get dismembered as the grapeshot found its mark, ignoring armor, flesh, bone, and organs alike, finally burying itself into the ground.

The enemy was now at the base of the hill. The command was given, “Fall back!!” and 1000 men moved as one to the log barricade and waited to again see their foe. They didn’t have to wait long, less than 30 seconds after the last German got behind the barricade, the first Dutch topped the hill. The rifles extended their lead greetings. As Jacob continued to kill man after man a runner came up to him, “Sir?”

“What is it boy?! It better be good, cause im already pissed off and have a loaded rifle!”

“Its terrific sir! We have liberated New Nuremberg!”

It took but a second for this to click in Jacob’s mind and he stood and yelled as if the war, not just this battle, had already been won! “We’ve liberated New Nuremberg!” The news spread quickly down the line even though the fighting still continued against the surge of knights. Many men started whooping and yelling, almost daring the knights to come closer, and they came.

“FOR THE FATHERLAND!!” Jacob shouted and he, along with his entire division stood and fired into the knights, who were but yards away... then feet... then...

The cannons stopped, knowing that now they would kill their own men, and the cannoneers grabbed their rifles and joined the fray.

The Dutch horses easily jumped the log barricade, many either trampling or slicing Germans in the process. But it was far too little, far too late.. There were less than 100 now and in 5 minutes there were none. The battle was Germany’s. 1000 German’s utterly destroyed 10,000 Dutch, losing only 34.

Jacob walked back to camp and his weary soldiers congratulated themselves and especially Jacob for a battle well won. “They ought to promote you sir!” he heard one say. “I know...” came Jacob’s tired reply. He wondered how many they would face tomorrow.

[rob006]

there is the big battle i know you have all been waiting for hope you like

[unscratchedfoot]

That was quite a slaughter you imposed there rob. Good stuff. Are there more big fights coming?

[Paddy]

good value Rob

[rob006]

unscratchedfoot, yeah that was one of the biggest battles so far in this game. it was like 10-12 dutch knights attacking 2 units of riflemen and a cannon. and to answer your question... you bet! this was a long war with alot of massive battles. i just finished chapter 4's rough draft and chapter 5 will be when i retaliated.

and thanx paddy. your guys words of encouragement are great.

coming today... chapter 4 'Promotions' and possibly chapter 5 'Germany strikes back'

[rob006]

Chapter 4

Promotions...

About a month later, Jacob Von Goethe stood before his CO in Berlin. “Jacob. I have heard many good things about you. Especially your crushing defeat of those 10,000 knights at Nuremberg. Very nice. For all of your accomplishments, you are being promoted to lieutenant, and we are going to give you command of not just a division, but an expeditionary force of 3000 riflemen, 500 cavalry men, and 50 cannons.” The CO grinned as he waited to hear the response from the obviously dumbfounded ex-sergeant.

In fact, dumbfounded was quite an understatement. Jacob’s jaw literally dropped open at this incredible news. He was quite speechless, he knew he was a good commander, he had proven that at the Military Academy in Konigsberg. When he had graduated, he had been given command of a squad of 100 men and sent to garrison and control the newly ‘acquired’ English lands and stop small rebellions before they could pick up speed. He had a proven that even under fire he was a capable leader. He had only been given command of his division only a month before the war began.

“I - I don’t know what to say sir...” finally slipped from Jacob’s lips.

“How about, ‘Thank you sir, I’ll do my best.’ ”

“Okay.... Thank you sir, I’ll do my best.” Jacob said, grinning

“Good. Your orders are: Go to the armory, your men are waiting for you. You will all board the military purposes only train at the train station by 1500 hours and will be taken to Dordrecht. After one week of preparations, you will lead your men into Dutch territory, assault, and capture the border town of Lauwersoog.”

“Yes sir! It will be done for the glory of the Fatherland.” Jacob said, snapping to attention, saluting, and then leaving the room.

It took him about 15 minutes to find the armory, then another 10 to find the right courtyard his men were relaxing in. He opened the courtyard door, and there they were, over 3000 men, his to command. He strode purposefully towards the far end of the yard where a podium stood. One by one the men noticed him and saluted in the presence of the lieutenant. After a few moments of conversing with a few men who where in his former division, he took the podium.

“Men! Your attention please! My name is sergeant.... I mean, lieutenant Jacob Von Goethe, your CO. I will command you men until I die, or they find someone better,” he smirked as several men chuckled. “My first order is to appoint Master Sergeant Frederick Heinz as my XO. Our orders from the top are to get to Dordrecht, stay and prepare for one week, then assault and capture the city of Lauwersoog. Be at the train station at 1300 hours. We will board at 1400 hours, and leave at 1500 hours. That is all.” The men slowly began to filter from the courtyard to prepare their things and make any last minute arrangements. Jacob stepped off the podium feeling better than he ever had. And at 3 o’clock, a train left Berlin carrying over 3000 soldiers, and a very pleased, and anxious lieutenant.

[rob006]

Chapter 5

Germany strikes back

The stay in Dordrecht had been very beneficial to all. To the soldiers, it got them prepared for combat. For Jacob, he got to know his new men and when and how he could count on each. For the local populace, they saw the will, determination, and the might that Germany still had. Early of on the seventh day they had spent there, they got their gear together and marched out of the city heading south-east towards Lauwersoog.

The city was several miles away but there were roads connecting the two nations that had yet to be destroyed. The force encountered virtually no resistance except the occasional border patrol, or a wild-eyed citizen who decided they would rather die then live under the ‘kraut’ flag. Jacob continually rode up and down the lines on his brand-new horse surveying his troops, and giving the needed words of encouragement. “By nightfall men! We will have the city surrounded by night fall!” His men gave a collective cheer, and they continued the march, they were still several hours from the city.

When they finally could see the glow of lights, which meant civilization, Jacob briefed his men. “All right, this city isn’t walled so all we will have to do is catch ‘em at the barracks and chase down any stragglers. We are gonna spread out surrounding half of the city. At daybreak we are going to open up with a volley of high explosives targeting the barracks. After every gun has fired 3 times, the cavalry will sweep through the city towards the barracks... followed closely by riflemen... however 200 of you will have to stay behind to protect the cannons. Squads 9 and 15 will do that. The guns will fire a fourth round as you other men move out.” He looked around at these young men, knowing that he would not see several of them ever again after tomorrow. “All right men, we are going to move up a little bit farther so that our cannons will already be in range in the morning.” When they got to within range of the city, everyone knew where they where going and what to do. Squads would spread out across the plains surrounding the town so that the only way to escape was to head north towards Germany. The men pitched pup tents, the horses where feed and muzzled so as not to make much noise in the night, and the men went to bed, awaiting the coming battle.

At about 20 minutes before dawn, Jacob rode the entire length of his force, rallying the men for combat. Finally he stopped where the cavalry where, “Good morning men. When you charge into the city, I want you to kill anyone who raises any type of weapon at you. But get to the barracks as quickly as possible.” Jacob watched the horizon where the sun would appear at any moment, already red was climbing into the sky. The second the sun was visible, only a sliver of golden yellow, the German cannons began to rudely wake the small town.

The first round left all the cannons, and seconds later the reports could be heard and seen inside the city, some however where slightly off course and slammed into walls of unsuspecting homes and buildings. “THAT’S ONE ROUND!!”

The second rounds found the city and the barracks could be seen bursting into flames and the earth tossing about, as all hell broke loose. “TWO SHOTS!!”

The third rounds rushed to meet the city, accidentally taking out several innocent buildings in the process. “CHARGE!!” The plains outside of Lauwersoog revealed the 3000 Germans converging on the sleepy town. The fourth cannon round could barely be heard over the war cries of the charging Germans. The cavalry galloped into the town firing into the air like they where crazy. The riflemen followed them and ran down into the streets. The cavalry quickly found the barracks and gunfire could be heard throughout the town. It seemed like only about 200 men where left alive at the barracks. The cavalry where quickly bearing down on them, firing as they charged. Dutch men were falling to the ground by the dozens, blood shooting from holes in their bodies, where lead pierced them and sent them to either eternal condemnation, or set them eternally free. The German cavalry where becoming confident, and that’s when most of their worlds ended. The Dutch had managed to hide a crate of gunpowder right in front of the front lines and led a small trail of gunpowder back to them. The cavalry men thought it was odd when one man took time to get down and strike a match, however they never had time to contemplate it as the lit gunpowder raced to its source detonating in less than a second after the trail was first lit.

Jacob looked to the north and saw a lone man galloping on a horse towards the battlefield. He met him halfway. “What news do you bring son?”

“Good sir. Early this morning our troops captured the Dutch city of Den Helder.”

“Excellent news! In fact I have more to add to that. Tell them that my expeditionary force has captured Lauwersoog with minor casualties, mostly cavalry. I request reinforcements of my force along with the men they want to garrison this town with.”

“Very well sir.” the runner saluted and galloped off.

By the time Jacob had gotten back to Lauwersoog, the 200 at the barracks had been defeated. But the Dutch aren’t anything if not tricky. At the second the last Dutch man fell, 500 more poured from them buildings surrounding the main battlefield. Men quickly went to hand-to-hand and blade-to-blade combat realizing that the battle would be so close-quarters. Jacob got into Main Street just as a bugle sounded and the Dutch again retreated inside of their buildings... though there were now less than half of their original number. He barked to his men, “Into the buildings! After them! Go! Go! Go!” the cavalrymen dismounted and joined the ranks of the riflemen spreading out, heading towards the nearest building, the Dutch had escaped into. Jacob decided he would joined the battle and ran into one of the buildings. The man in front of him dropped and the musket ball that killed him barely missed Jacob’s side, burying itself into the wall. In a split-second reaction, Jacob raised his rifle and fired into the man’s chest. He fell to the ground spinning, splashing his blood on the walls. “A grotesque way to paint a wall.” Jacob mused.


Climb stairs, fire, reload, fire, more stairs, fire.... the same motions became ingrained into everyone’s hands and feet, doing the acts almost without thinking. Finally he reached the roof of them building after what seemed an impossibly long room-to-room battle. The last bit of Dutch resistance was gathered on the far end of the building, exchanging fire with Germans already on the rooftops. They never even knew Jacob and his men where behind him, until the searing hot lead buried itself into their backs. After just a few minutes of picking of stragglers, or running them down on horseback, the city was secure. Lauwersoog had fallen.

Jacob walked through the streets littered with dead bodies, it was approaching nightfall. The same runner that had found him earlier that day again found him. “Another city fallen to our glorious armies?” Jacob said, smiling. The runner’s head hung low and he shook his head. “No sir. The Dutch liberated Dan Helder. Germany lost about 5000 men. The Dutch have apparently imported saltpeter, they have cavalrymen.”

[vovan]

Good stuff this.

[rob006]

thanks much vovan. ill have chapter 6 up either tonight or tomorrow. i just got to type it. sorry, no big battles in #6 but is an important set up for this stories sequal.. if i do one. thanx again